Storm Henk: Warning over rogue traders following flood damage

Meadow Avenue in Loughborough, Leicestershire, was flooded after Storm Henk

Leicestershire residents are being warned to be on their guard against rogue traders.

Last week, the county was hit hard as Storm Henk battered the UK.

Hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged, with Loughborough and the surrounding area particularly affected.

Now, as repairs begin, Leicestershire County Council is warning residents across the county that rogue traders might try to take advantage of the situation.

People should be on alert for doorstep traders and cold callers offering building repairs, garden work and clean-up services, which may be substandard and overpriced, the authority said.

The county council's trading standards team has advised people to never agree to any work on the doorstep and take the time to research the company to check its reviews and whether it is listed on Companies House.

Residents should also try to get at least three quotes from different tradespeople to ensure they are not being overcharged, the team said.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, lead member for regulatory services, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Rogue traders target people when they are at their most vulnerable and use events like Storm Henk to cash in and make money.

"They know that people need to make urgent repairs to their property or clear up fallen trees, so they may knock on the door and suggest repairs that they claim they can carry out quickly.

"These unscrupulous traders pose as legitimate tradespeople, often targeting the elderly and vulnerable people within our communities.

"These offenders are extremely believable and can come across as very charming and trustworthy, but they can also use aggressive behaviour and scare tactics."